Jordan River, West Bank

#JordanRiver

#WestBank

The Jordan River and the West Bank are both deeply significant in terms of geography, history, and modern politics, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

#SeaofGalilee

Jordan River

Location: Flows from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Dead Sea in the south.

Borders: Forms a natural border between Jordan (country) on the east and Israel/Palestinian territories on the west.

Length: Approximately 251 km (156 miles).

• Religious significance:

Holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Believed to be the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.

• Environmental issues: The river is now a narrow stream in many parts due to overuse, diversion, and pollution.

West Bank

Definition: A landlocked territory west of the Jordan River, hence the name “West Bank.”

• Status:

Occupied by Israel since 1967 (Six-Day War).

• Claimed by Palestinians as part of their future state.

• Population:

• About 3 million Palestinians.

• Over 400,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements considered illegal under international law (though Israel disputes this).

• Key cities: Ramallah (de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority), Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nablus.

• Borders:

• East: Jordan River and the country of Jordan.

• West: Israel proper.

Relationship Between Jordan River & West Bank

The Jordan River forms the eastern boundary of the West Bank.

Several key Palestinian cities like Jericho are located near the river.

The river historically and symbolically links the Kingdom of Jordan with the Palestinian territories, but movement across the river is heavily controlled.

Let me know if you want maps, historical context (e.g., British Mandate, 1948, 1967), or current geopolitical developments related to this area.

#WestBank